Hunter, Helen

Meet the Candidate

Running For:
State House
District:
10
Political Affiliation:
Democratic
Phone:
(614) 578-7613
Age:
73
Occupation:
Chaplain
Education:
DMin, MDiv, Ba
Family:
Married with children and grandchildren
Religion:
Protestant
Biographical Info:

Dr. Helen Hunter – a community organizer, social justice advocate, and businesswoman – is a Board Certified Chaplain and an Ordained Minister. She holds a BA in Foreign Language Education, a Master of Divinity, and Doctor of Theology. Dr. Hunter has lived in Mesa 18+ years and is active in East Valley cities and organizations, addressing community policing, homelessness, affordable housing, racial inequities, smoke-free living, cultural arts appreciation, and inter-faith collaborations. As a mother and grandmother, Dr. Hunter also works to support equitable school funding and women’s reproductive rights.

Statement:

I am running for office again, because I have not seen the changes in our government and society that are so critically needed. As a candidate for the AZ House, I am hoping for an opportunity to help introduce and enact legislation that a) raises the bar for Arizona public education by providing equitable school funding, accountable ESA voucher management, and higher teacher pay, b) improves the economic well-being of all Arizonans and, c) provides for efficient, effective water analysis and management. Considering the recent legislative and judicial rulings in Arizona and across the country, I am also committed to work to restore and protect Arizona women’s reproductive rights.

I am long-time proponent of the universal and all-encompassing Golden Rule, treating others as I want to be treated. Therefore, if elected, I will advocate for respectful dialogue, compassionate compromise, and meaningful solutions that create accountable legislation and preserve democratic values.

Endorsements:

AZ NOW PAC, AZ AFL-CIO, Save our Schools AZ

Survey

Response Legend

  • SSupports
  • OOpposes
  • *Comment
  • −Declined to respond
  • †Declined to respond, Position based on citation

Question Response Comments/Notes
1. Interpreting the 2nd Amendment as protecting an individual’s right to keep and bear arms. S* I support the 2nd Amendment with appropriate safeguards; ie. waiting period, background checks, mental health reporting, Red Flag laws, and age restrictions..
2. Adding “sexual orientation,” “gender identity,” or “gender expression” to the protected classes of race, religion, age, sex, and ancestry in nondiscrimination law. S
3. Amending the Arizona State Constitution to grant a fundamental right to every individual to an abortion. S
4. Securing the border by preventing all illegal crossings. O* Must guarantee stringent, humanitarian measures with pathways to citizenship and fair, wherever possible, equitable prosecution when appropriate, NO separation of families, and not the slightest, most miniscule evidence of racial, ethnic, or religious bias!
5. Using taxpayer funds to support any organization that performs, promotes, or provides referrals for abortion. S* Critically needed for abortion alternatives (adoption, mentoring, surrogacy), low- to medium-income families with limited resources for rerpoductive care, and for incidents of rape or incest (including prosecution of offenders).
6. Allowing all parents to use tax credits and taxpayer funded empowerment scholarship accounts to enable their children to attend any private school, homeschool, or online academy of their choice. O* The majority (90-95%) of taxpayer-funded accounts should be delegated to pubic school education - dismal teacher salaries, support staff (esp. school nurses) pay and benefits, faciilty and equipment, maintenance/upgrades, special needs, and skilled trades - and programs that support teacher self-care and reduce burnout, and prevent the mass exodus of teachers leaving profession.
7. Legalizing physician-assisted suicide. O* Has the potential for racially-motivated terminations and other socio-economic inequities in determinig who should or would benefit from physician-asissted suicide.
8. Allowing parents to seek professional counseling for their minor child with same-sex attraction or gender identity issues. S
9. Permitting individuals and businesses to not provide services or promote ideas that violate their moral or religious beliefs. O* Potential is too great for civil rights violations
10. Keeping the flat income tax rate in Arizona’s state tax code. O* Provides a disadvantage for low- and moderately-low income individuals and family; should be assessed on a sliding scale
11. Requiring any government entity, including schools, to inform parents about their child’s physical, emotional, or mental health. S* Except in cases where the child's physical, emotional, or mental health is endangered.
12. Enhancing penalties for the sale and possession of fentanyl. S* Saves lives ... and families.